Early Breakfast withRelebogile Mabotja

CapeTalk listeners have complained about the McClaren International Circus, who have animal acts as part of their show, claiming the animals are not beaten, isolated or retrained.

Owner, David McClaren, insists that people are making false accusations are those not attending shows but rather spread lies on Facebook.

During an interview with McClaren on CapeTalk, presenter John Maytham mentioned that people have claimed to witness first-hand animals confined in cages and left out in the sun.

McClaren explained that these animals have attachment areas where they can play and sit in the shade.

He claims that the routines performed by the lions and tigers are natural, like jumping and leaping, but Maytham stated that it is not natural for these animals to be forced into performing for people.

When asked why he keeps animals acts, McClaren said:

“We continue to have them because they are part of our family.”

— David McClaren, owner of McClaren International Circus

Maytham hit back by informing McClaren that these are wild animals and they should not be kept in captivity, regardless of that fact that they were born in captivity.

McClaren responded by saying:

“People don’t have to accept it.”

— David McClaren, owner of McClaren International Circus

McClaren agreed that CapeTalk listeners who have raised complaints might come on a tour of the circus and witness the conditions first hand.